How to Add Tables in Jira Default Description (Cloud)

Summary

When setting a default description template for new issues in team-managed projects, you are unable to add a table to the template. This article will list possible workarounds to achieve this use case and help customers use the table in the Description field in Jira Cloud.

Option One: Using Automation for Jira

This can be achieved by using Automation Rules:

1. Create a new rule with the trigger Work Item created.

2. Add any conditions such as project type, work item type, etc.

3. Add the action component Edit Work Item.

4. Under Choose fields to set, select the Description field.

5. Use the following value to be added in the description field to render a table when a ticket is created:

Option Two: Using Issue screens and custom fields

You can set a default value at creation using custom fields.

• Replace the Description field with a custom field for creation

• After creation, copy the information from the custom field back to the Description using Automation for Jira

Use the following steps:

1. Create a custom paragraph field.

2. Populate its default value with your template, for the table use:

   ||heading 1||heading 2||heading 3|| |col A1|col A2|col A3| |col B1|col B2|col B3|

3. Change the new field's renderer to Wiki Style in the Field Configuration.

4. On related Projects, create a second screen (if it doesn't exist).

5. Remove the Description, and add your new custom field.

6. Modify the screen scheme, and make your new screen the create operation.

7. Your existing screen should remain for the view operation.

8. After creation, copy the information from the custom field back to the Description using Automation for Jira.

   1. Create an Automation rule.

   2. Use the trigger Work Item created.

   3. Add the action component Edit Work Item.

   4. Copy the data from the custom paragraph field back to the Description.

More information

• Manage work item screens

• Create a custom field

• Add a custom field to a screen

• Manage work item field configurations

Automation for Jira can be complex for new users. For detailed guidance, refer to Jira Cloud Automation Documentation